According to Greek mythology the infant Zeus, is said to have been nursed by the bees on honey from which he derived his infinite wisdom. Wild colonies of bees on the mountain (of the cave he was in) would gather the best honey from their queen bee especially for him. The Nymphs would feed the young Zeus with this, who particularly liked its sweet taste. Out of gratitude for the honey that sustained him, Zeus gave the honey bee its sting, in unlimited usage, for defense . Eventually a bee stung Zeus and He declared that, "the bee abused its power" and decreed that the bee must die whenever the sting is used (hence why a bee can only sting once).